Weather
Asheville, NC Weather: Hurricane Isaias Could Bring 60 MPH Mountain Gusts, Flash Flooding This Weekend
Asheville, NC – Heavy rainfall, dangerous mountain wind gusts and possible flash flooding are expected across portions of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 10, into earl
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-10T00:19:23.239Z
Asheville, NC – Heavy rainfall, dangerous mountain wind gusts and possible flash flooding are expected across portions of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 10, into early Sunday as Hurricane Isaias moves inland across the Southeast.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville Spartanburg, the hurricane's center is forecast to remain west of the region, but tropical moisture could produce significant rainfall along the Blue Ridge Escarpment.
The Weather Prediction Center has placed portions of the southern Appalachians under a Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall, indicating an elevated potential for flash flooding.
The greatest concern extends along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where heavy rainfall could produce flash flooding and isolated landslides Saturday into early Sunday.
Strong winds are another concern, particularly across the North Carolina mountains.
The weather service warned that gusts could reach 60 mph at elevations above 3,500 feet, while gusts up to 50 mph are expected in areas covered by wind advisories.
Forecast peak gusts include approximately 43 mph near Asheville, 45 mph near Burnsville and 46 mph near Newland. Farther south, Greenville and Anderson could experience gusts around 39 to 40 mph.
The strongest winds could blow around unsecured objects and cause power outages, according to forecasters.
A Marginal Risk, Level 1 of 5, for severe thunderstorms also covers portions of Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina Saturday.
Forecasters indicate a low end tornado threat is possible, although widespread severe thunderstorms are not currently indicated.
The most significant rainfall and flooding concerns are expected Saturday into early Sunday, while gusty winds could persist into Sunday morning, especially across higher elevations.
Residents near steep terrain and flood prone locations should monitor updated forecasts and any warnings issued as the remnants of Isaias approach.
The National Weather Service expects the primary hazards to be heavy rainfall, localized flash flooding and strong mountain winds through early Sunday.